Immunotherapy combo shows promise in kidney cancer trial
NCT ID NCT04394975
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This phase 3 trial tested whether combining the immunotherapy toripalimab with the targeted drug axitinib works better than the standard drug sunitinib for people with advanced kidney cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. Over 400 participants received either the combination or sunitinib alone. The study measured how long patients lived without their cancer worsening.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- toripalimab (immunotherapy) combined with axitinib (targeted therapy)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this combination could become a new first-line treatment option that helps people with advanced kidney cancer live longer without their disease getting worse.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed phase 3 trial, but results are not yet published. The combination may not prove better than sunitinib, and side effects from immunotherapy plus targeted therapy can be serious.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PRIMARY DISEASE: UNRESECTABLE OR METASTATIC RENAL CELL CARCINOMA FOCUS OF THE STUDY:PFS ASSESSED BY IRC PER RECIST 1.1 are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Beijing Cancer Hospital
Beijing, China